Roadshow: A rooster tale with a happy ending

Q This may be far-reaching, but I thought you might be able to assist with this one.

Lisa Horel

Santa Clara

A Far-reaching for the transportation guy who has written about Mrs. Roadshow's fabulous shrimp rigatoni dish, wild turkeys, NFL playoff matchups, and so much that has been off the usual traveled roadway? What can top all that?

Q I would imagine that a rooster crossing the road would be as hazardous as the chicken crossing the road, right? Especially if that road might be along Montague Expressway.

Lisa Horel

A A rooster? This is a Roadshow first.

Q On the corner at Lick Mill Boulevard, there is a large apartment complex -- and a homeless, full-grown, very large (and pretty) somewhat flying rooster who is making his evening roost in a very small tree in front of apartment building No. 2. We see him each evening. Since its ability to fly is quite limited, I imagine he is actually crossing these busy streets by waddling, walking or whatever it is that roosters do. We've grown to be fond of him and have even bestowed a name -- Franklin.

Lisa Horel

A Every rooster needs a name, but Franklin needs more than that.

Advertisement

Q He needs the assistance of someone with rooster-catching skills to get him to safe refuge. He looks to have been homeless for a very long time, given his ability to stay alive. I've tweeted the city of Santa Clara and they tweeted these folks, www.svaca.com, who are probably very busy. I'm sure a rogue rooster is at the bottom of the pecking order (sorry, couldn't help it), but can you help? This guy deserves a chance after surviving this long.

Lisa Horel

A Lisa dialed in Thursday with her plea to save Franklin. I turned to Dan-the Silicon-Valley-Animal-Control-Boss, who said he would have his folks on the hunt. That night, Lisa reported back:

"Franklin-the-Rooster was captured this evening after eluding our efforts for about a half-hour. Think Road Runner taking on Montague and Lick Mill -- but on the sidewalk running at full tilt. At least he knew to stay out of traffic.

"At one point he popped out of the massive shrubbery onto the sidewalk, took a long look at us and in one motion flipped around on one foot (is that like flipping us the bird?) and ran down the sidewalk like he had plenty of practice running to catch, oh, say, a Google bus.

"We waited in the rain until he flew back up to his tree, and since roosters have no night vision he bumped into the tree a few times before finding his favorite branch.

"Thankfully his next antic at avoiding us was more Wile E. Coyote than Road Runner. He hopped out of the tree backward, flew sideways and landed in the middle of a bush, where he was trapped. Bad for him, good for us. We were able to lift him out, and off he went with the SVACA officer.

"Though he was squawking all kinds of complaints at us when he was put in the crate, he is in one piece and will hopefully find a nice sanctuary or foster home with lots of hens to boss around. A very happy conclusion thanks to your assist!"

Dan said Franklin "is cozy, dry and warm" at an animal care center in Santa Clara. "If no one reclaims him, we'll work to send him to a rescue organization who specializes in fowl," he said.

The Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority is holding a "Home for the Holidays" adoption special this month. Go to www.svaca.com to find out how you can adopt a pet. Adult animals can be adopted for only $12.

Q We've heard from you, Mrs. Roadshow and the Roadshow kids. How about Zoe-the-Roadshow-Retriever to discuss how to safely transport our four-legged family members? I've seen too many dogs on a driver's lap, or hanging out a window with no safety restraint.

Joe Charfauros

Morgan Hill.

A Zoe wants to hear recommendations from other owners on how to keep their pets safe. Send them my way.